Understanding the support lifecycle of your configuration management tools is critical for maintaining a stable IT infrastructure. This guide provides comprehensive information about CFEngine’s version support policy and EOS (End of Service)/EOL (End of Life) schedules for all versions.
1. What is CFEngine? – The Pioneer of Configuration Management
CFEngine, developed by Mark Burgess in 1993, is an open-source configuration management tool that enables Infrastructure as Code. With over 30 years of history, it’s one of the original automation solutions in the IT industry.
Key Features:
- Supports Unix/Linux systems and Windows
- Infrastructure as Code approach for configuration automation
- Distributed architecture for efficient large-scale operations
- Self-healing capabilities for system stability
- Proven in environments managing over 3.5 million servers
The Community edition is freely available, while the Enterprise edition can be used free for up to 25 hosts. The Enterprise version includes Mission Portal, a web-based management interface for visual infrastructure management.
2. Understanding CFEngine’s Release Policy – LTS vs. Non-LTS
CFEngine maintains two types of releases to balance stability with innovation.
LTS (Long Term Support) Versions
- Release Cycle: Every 18 months
- Support Duration: 3 years of support and maintenance
- Focus: Stability with proven, well-tested features
- Enterprise Support: Included in official support contracts
- Version Numbers: 3.7, 3.10, 3.12, 3.15, 3.18, 3.21, 3.24
Non-LTS Versions
- Release Cycle: Every 6 months
- Maintenance Period: 6 months after release
- Purpose: Testing new features and gathering feedback
- Support Limitation: Not included in Enterprise support contracts
- Role: Preparation for next LTS release
This dual-track approach ensures stability for production environments while enabling rapid innovation. LTS versions are strongly recommended for production use.
3. Complete LTS Version Support Schedule
CFEngine LTS Version Timeline
| Version | Release Date | EOL Date | Support Period | Status | Latest Patch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 LTS | January 2015 | July 17, 2018 | 3 years | EOL | 3.7.8 |
| 3.10 LTS | January 2017 | December 28, 2019 | 3 years | EOL | 3.10.7 |
| 3.12 LTS | June 2018 | June 2021 | 3 years | EOL | 3.12.7 |
| 3.15 LTS | December 2019 | December 2022 | 3 years | EOL | 3.15.7 |
| 3.18 LTS | 2021 | August 2024 | 3 years | EOL | 3.18.8 |
| 3.21 LTS | 2022 | 2025 | 3 years | Supported | 3.21.7 |
| 3.24 LTS | Summer 2024 | 2027 | 3 years | Supported | 3.24.2 |
4. Complete Non-LTS Version List
CFEngine Non-LTS Version Reference
| Version | Release Date | Maintenance End | Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6 | 2014 | – | EOL | Pre-LTS version |
| 3.5 | 2013 | – | EOL | Legacy |
| 3.8 | 2016 | 2017 | EOL | – |
| 3.9 | 2016 | 2017 | EOL | – |
| 3.11 | 2017 | 2018 | EOL | – |
| 3.13 | 2018 | 2019 | EOL | Policy Analyzer introduced |
| 3.14 | 2019 | 2020 | EOL | Enhanced RBAC, Federated Reporting |
| 3.16 | 2020 | 2021 | EOL | Compliance Reports introduced |
| 3.17 | 2020 | 2021 | EOL | Custom Promise Types |
| 3.19 | 2021 | 2022 | EOL | CFEngine Build introduced |
| 3.20 | 2021 | 2022 | EOL | Build in Mission Portal |
| 3.22 | 2023 | 2024 | EOL | Groups feature introduced |
| 3.23 | 2024 | 2024 | EOL | 30th Anniversary release |
| 3.25 | 2024 | 2025 | EOL | Enhanced auditability |
| 3.26 | May 2025 | November 2025 | Active | Default admin elimination |
5. Currently Supported Versions – Detailed Information
3.24 LTS (Latest LTS) – Codename: Consistency
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | Summer 2024 |
| EOL | 2027 |
| Latest Patch | 3.24.2 (January 2025) |
| Status | ✅ Currently Supported |
Key Features:
- Groups feature for infrastructure organization
- Group Data (CMDB): Assign variables and classes to groups
- Compliance Reports performance improved 5x (parallelization)
- Ubuntu 24 support (ARM64, x86-64)
- Security enhancements: LDAP, password, authentication improvements
Platform Changes:
- Added: Ubuntu 24.04
- Removed: Legacy OS versions no longer supported by vendors
Official Documentation: https://docs.cfengine.com/docs/3.24/
3.21 LTS – Codename: Unification
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | 2022 |
| EOL | 2025 |
| Latest Patch | 3.21.7 (January 2025) |
| Status | ✅ Currently Supported (EOL approaching) |
Key Features:
- CFEngine Build in Mission Portal
- Multiple Build Projects management
- Local Deploy functionality (no remote Git required)
- Module Input support
- Redesigned documentation site
Platform Additions:
- Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 11, RHEL 9
- ARM64 packages (Raspberry Pi support)
Official Documentation: https://docs.cfengine.com/docs/3.21/
3.26 (Latest Non-LTS) – Codename: Default Admin Elimination
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Release | May 20, 2025 |
| Maintenance End | ~November 2025 |
| Status | ⚠️ Non-LTS (Testing) |
New Features:
- Default admin account removal (security enhancement)
- 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) support
- Enhanced password policies
- Improved audit logging
Official Documentation: https://docs.cfengine.com/latest/
6. End-of-Life LTS Versions – Detailed Information
Recently EOL’d LTS Versions
| Version | Release | EOL | Codename | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.18 LTS | 2021 | August 2024 | Extensibility | Custom Promise Types, Host-specific Data, Compliance Reports enhancements |
| 3.15 LTS | December 2019 | December 2022 | – | Federated Reporting, Policy Analyzer, PostgreSQL 12 |
| 3.12 LTS | June 2018 | June 2021 | – | New package promise implementation, performance improvements, container support |
| 3.10 LTS | January 2017 | December 28, 2019 | – | Masterfiles overhaul, new functions |
| 3.7 LTS | January 2015 | July 17, 2018 | – | Initial LTS model introduction |
3.18 LTS End-of-Life Timeline
| Date | Event | Version |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Release | 3.18.0 |
| March 2024 | EOL announcement | 3.18.7 |
| July 2024 | Final release | 3.18.8 |
| August 2024 | Official EOL | – |
⚠️ Important: Version 3.18.8 was the final release of the 3.18 series, with all support ending in August 2024.
7. CFEngine Evolution – Major Milestones
Development History
| Period | Version | Major Innovation |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | CFEngine 1.0 | Initial release |
| 2008 | CFEngine 3.0 | Promise Theory, complete rewrite |
| 2015 | 3.7 LTS | LTS model introduction (18-month cycle, 3-year support) |
| 2018 | 3.13 | Policy Analyzer first introduced |
| 2019 | 3.14 | Federated Reporting introduced |
| 2019 | 3.15 LTS | PostgreSQL 12, RHEL 8 support |
| 2020 | 3.16 | Compliance Reports introduced |
| 2021 | 3.18 LTS | Custom Promise Types (extensibility) |
| 2021 | 3.19 | CFEngine Build launch |
| 2022 | 3.21 LTS | Build in Mission Portal integration |
| 2023 | 3.22 | Groups feature introduced |
| 2024 | 3.23 | 30th Anniversary release |
| 2024 | 3.24 LTS | Consistency focus, performance improvements |
| 2025 | 3.26 | Default admin removal, security enhancements |
8. Version Upgrade Recommendations
Action Plan by Current Version
| Current Version | Status | Action Required | Recommended Upgrade | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.15 or earlier | EOL | Immediate upgrade | 3.24 LTS | 🔴 Critical |
| 3.18 LTS | EOL (Aug 2024) | Immediate upgrade | 3.24 LTS | 🔴 Critical |
| 3.21 LTS | EOL 2025 | Plan upgrade | 3.24 LTS | 🟡 Recommended |
| 3.24 LTS | Supported | Apply latest patches | – | 🟢 Good |
| 3.26 Non-LTS | Testing | Plan LTS migration | 3.24 LTS | 🟡 Recommended |
Version Selection for New Installations
| Scenario | Recommended Version | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Production Environment | 3.24 LTS | Supported until 2027, latest features, modern OS support |
| Test/Development | 3.26 Non-LTS | Preview next LTS features |
| Stability Priority | 3.24 LTS | Proven LTS with 18+ months in production |
| Ubuntu 24 Required | 3.24 LTS | Official Ubuntu 24 support |
9. Extended Support – Post-EOL Options
Extended Support Policy Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | CFEngine Enterprise customers only |
| Supported Versions | All LTS versions from 3.6 onward |
| Basic Coverage | Limited support under current license agreement |
| Limitations | No new installations, existing installations only |
| Security Patches | Not included (additional cost) |
| Bug Fixes | Not included (additional cost) |
| Deep Analysis | Limited for non-standard configurations |
For Extended Support: Contact CFEngine Support Team for separate contract arrangements
10. Version Check and Upgrade Checklist
Check Your Current Version
# Check version via command line
cf-agent --version
# Check hub version
cf-hub --version
# Detailed information
cf-promises --version
Pre-Upgrade Checklist
| Step | Task | Command/Tool |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Verify current version | cf-agent --version |
| 2️⃣ | Full backup | tar -czf backup.tar.gz /var/cfengine /opt/cfengine |
| 3️⃣ | Backup Masterfiles | Git commit or separate backup |
| 4️⃣ | Test environment validation | Validate on test Hub/Agent first |
| 5️⃣ | Compatibility check | Review release notes |
| 6️⃣ | Upgrade Masterfiles | Upgrade policy on Hub first |
| 7️⃣ | Upgrade Hub | Binary package upgrade |
| 8️⃣ | Staged Agent rollout | Gradual expansion from small groups |
| 9️⃣ | Monitoring | Verify status in Mission Portal |
| 🔟 | Documentation | Record upgrade process and issues |
11. Major Version Upgrade Considerations
3.18 LTS → 3.21 LTS Upgrade
| Item | Change | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Python Requirement | Python 3.5+ required on Hub | Verify Python installation |
| New Platforms | Ubuntu 22, RHEL 9 support | Consider OS upgrades |
| Build Feature | Mission Portal integration | Learn new features |
| ARM64 Support | Debian/Ubuntu ARM support | Raspberry Pi and ARM devices now supported |
3.21 LTS → 3.24 LTS Upgrade
| Item | Change | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy OS Removal | Some EOL OS removed | Verify supported platforms |
| Groups Feature | New group management | Review infrastructure organization |
| Performance | Compliance Reports 5x faster | Leverage for large-scale reporting |
| Ubuntu 24 | Latest Ubuntu support | Apply latest OS versions |
| SELinux | RHEL/CentOS policy updates | Verify SELinux configuration |
12. Platform Support Policy
OS Support Policy Principles
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Principle | OS vendor support period + up to 1 year |
| Example | Ubuntu 18.04 standard support ends (Apr 2023) → CFEngine support (~Apr 2024) |
| Extended Support | Vendor paid extended support not included |
Latest LTS (3.24) Supported Platforms
| Platform Type | Supported Versions |
|---|---|
| RHEL/CentOS | 7, 8, 9 |
| Ubuntu | 20.04, 22.04, 24.04 |
| Debian | 10, 11, 12 |
| SUSE/SLES | 12, 15 |
| Windows Server | 2016, 2019, 2022 |
| AIX | 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 (Enterprise) |
| Solaris | 10, 11 (Enterprise) |
| HP-UX | 11.31 (Enterprise) |
Complete Platform List: Official Documentation
13. Official Resources
CFEngine Official Sites
| Resource | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Official Website | https://cfengine.com | Product info, downloads |
| Documentation | https://docs.cfengine.com | User guides, API documentation |
| Supported Versions | https://cfengine.com/supported-versions/ | Current supported versions |
| EOL Information | https://endoflife.date/cfengine | End-of-life schedules |
| Release Blog | https://cfengine.com/blog/ | New version announcements |
| GitHub | https://github.com/cfengine | Source code, issues |
Community and Support
| Channel | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GitHub Discussions | Questions, idea sharing |
| Issue Tracker | Bug reports, feature requests |
| Enterprise Support | Official technical support (paid customers) |
Summary – Version Management Best Practices
Understanding and properly managing CFEngine’s version support policy is essential for maintaining a stable IT infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Currently Supported LTS: 3.21 LTS (EOL 2025), 3.24 LTS (EOL 2027)
❌ End-of-Life: All versions 3.18 LTS and earlier
⚠️ Action Required: Immediate upgrade needed if using 3.18 or earlier
🎯 Recommended: Use 3.24 LTS for production environments
Final Checklist:
- Is your current version supported? → Check with
cf-agent --version - Do you have an upgrade plan in place?
- Are you applying regular patch updates?
- Are you aware of the next LTS release timeline (expected 2025-2026)?